The team, whose nearly 300 members range in age from 8 to 21, are most well known for their appearances in the annual Bud Billiken Parade, but the drill team marches at roughly 125 events each year. Earlier this year, the team performed for First Lady Michelle Obama and the spouses of NATO world leaders in Chicago. Founded in 1980, they also were featured in the film "Ferris Bueller's Day Off."

"I was very excited because it's a once in a lifetime chance," 17-year-old team member China Jones told the Chicago Defender of the honor. "I still think I'm dreaming!"

On its website, the team's mission is described as "a prevention program devoted to helping young people in some of Chicago’s most dangerous neighborhoods steer clear of gangs, drugs, and violence while developing a strong work ethic, self-confidence, and a respect for themselves and others."

The team was selected for the honor from a pool of some 2,800 applicants. The group also applied in 2008 but was not chosen by the Presidential Inaugural Committee.